7 Diet Mistakes & Fast Fixes

Hitting the drive-through at Burger King once isnt such a big deal  the problem is that if you do it one time, youre much more likely to swing by again. And thats when the pounds really start to pile on. A 15-year study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota showed that people who ate fast food more than twice a week gained 10 more pounds than participants who had it less than once a week. There were also health ramifications: The drive-through frequenters had a higher risk of diabetes.

Fast FixSavor your indulgence. Splurges do happen, says Dr. Harlan. For some of us, its fast food; for others, its a big chocolate bar. The trick is to focus on each and every bite  this is a treat, one you wont be having tomorrow, so take the time to really enjoy it.

Next TimeOrder low-cal. If you must hit the drive-through, choose foods that wont do major diet damage. At Burger King, for example, choose the Whopper Jr. (290 calories with no mayo) instead of the regular Whopper (670 calories). And always skip the fries: A small bag at McDonalds clocks in at 250 calories, about half of which is fat. Instead, order the side salad (20 calories) with a packet of Newmans Own Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette (40 calories). For more good eats at fast-food joints, check out Dr. Harlans Website, drgourmet.com.

Dont skip supper to compensate. That kind of starvation strategy always backfires, warns Fernstrom. The day after your severe restriction, youll be eating everything, including the paint off the walls.

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